Manohar Parrikar asks armed forces to assist in flyover rescue work

Kolkata: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday directed the armed forces to provide all assistance in relief and rescue operations in the flyover collapse in Kolkata.

"Defence Minister expresses his shock at Kolkata flyover collapse and grief on loss of lives. Directs armed forces to provide all needed assistance," a Defence spokesperson said.

General Officer Commanding-In-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Eastern Command Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi said, "The Army expresses its condolences to the bereaved families on this tragedy. Army is fully committed in providing all possible resources and assistance till the rescue operations are completed."

Defence officials said the state government had sought the help of Army in the relief and rescue operations after which five columns of rescue ersonnel were deployed.

Each column roughly consists of 60 men including three medical teams, surgeons along with nursing assistants.

The Army has sent 10 ambulances along with its complement of medics to the spot.

A team of engineers from the Army has also reached the spot with cranes, water bowsers, gas cutters and specialist equipment to help the civic authorities dismantle the debris, officials said.

General Officer in Command of Army's Bengal area Lt Gen Rajeev Tewary went to the spot of accident to monitor rescue operations as many people were trapped under the concrete debris of the flyover.